The Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group didn’t have a good 2018.
Perhaps the low point occurred when Billboard’s CEO, John Amato, forcibly stepped down following an internal investigation. He had faced accusations from newsroom staff of actively meddled in reporting decisions, and nixing stories about serious sexual abuse allegations against Charlie Walk, his personal friend.
The company has let go at least 22 people, according to Variety.
Dana Miller, the media group’s Chief Marketing Officer, will no longer work at the company. She had overseen both the show trade and music trade publications. Her dismissal comes amidst a busy awards season at The Hollywood Reporter.
Jayme Klock, Managing Editor for Billboard’s magazine, will no longer work at the media group as well. Five departments lost multiple employees in an “ongoing reorganization,” claimed one source.
THR-Billboard’s editorial staff remains unaffected, per Deadline.
Valence Media, the parent company, was formed through the combination of three media companies – The Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group, Dick Clark Productions, and Media Rights Capital.
According to sources from Valence, the ongoing reorganization will lead to new hires “in the near future.” The firings will reportedly streamline the media company’s business operations. They will also eliminate duplicated positions.
Valence Media may hire up to 40 people as part of the reorganization.
The parent company has yet to name a replacement for Amato. He reportedly received an $18 million exit package, though that figure has been contested by one Billboard staffer.
